Archive · 3 Oct 2026
J&K Drug Crackdown Reports Thousands of Arrests, Sparks Bias Concerns
Jammu and Kashmir began a campaign against illegal drugs on April 11.
Police say they registered thousands of cases and arrested about 4,000 people.
They also say properties and cash connected to the drug trade were seized.
The campaign includes public events, school activities and sports, as well as treatment for people with addiction.
Officials reported that more than one crore people joined awareness activities.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo says the enforcement may be affecting Kashmir more than Jammu.
She argues that people with addiction should be helped with treatment and counselling.
The police chief reported no separate figures for the two divisions.
Officials say the campaign combines enforcement, awareness and rehabilitation.
Since the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan began on April 11, police reported 3,257 NDPS cases and around 4,000 arrests.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat reported 170 convictions, about 2,500 disposed cases, 288 attached properties worth ₹138 crore and more than ₹80 lakh in seized cash.
Authorities said 144 people were booked under the PIT-NDPS Act; during the 100-day intensified phase, reports gave 614–616 FIRs and 646 arrests.
Officials said more than one crore people took part in 216,123 awareness programmes, and 44,602 patients received treatment at Addiction Treatment Facilities.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo alleged that enforcement and property demolitions disproportionately targeted Kashmir; officials cited no separate figures for Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir Police and other departments are conducting the campaign; DGP Nalin Prabhat reported its results, while Health Minister Sakina Itoo raised concerns about possible unequal targeting.
- What
- The Nasha Mukt Abhiyan combines drug-law enforcement with awareness, treatment and youth activities, amid allegations that enforcement disproportionately targets Kashmir.
- When
- The campaign began on April 11; officials discussed its results on Thursday, including figures from a 100-day intensified phase.
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- Authorities say the campaign aims to counter narcotics through enforcement, public awareness, rehabilitation and youth engagement; Itoo called for fair enforcement and treatment for people with addiction.
Criticism of the crackdown
Authorities’ case for the campaign
Whether enforcement is geographically fair
Criticism of the crackdown
Health Minister Sakina Itoo alleged that Kashmir was being disproportionately targeted, including through property demolitions, and said efforts should not appear discriminatory. She said figures indicated Jammu had more drug addicts.
Authorities’ case for the campaign
The DGP highlighted the campaign’s enforcement results and said J&K ranked first nationally in property attachments and PIT-NDPS bookings. He did not provide separate figures for Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
How to respond to addiction
Criticism of the crackdown
Itoo said people with addiction, especially young people, should receive rehabilitation and counselling, and objected to demolishing property under the campaign.
Authorities’ case for the campaign
Officials described the campaign as combining enforcement with treatment, awareness and youth engagement; they reported that 44,602 patients received treatment.
- Campaign
- Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, launched April 11
- NDPS cases and arrests
- 3,257 cases and around 4,000 arrests reported since the campaign began
- Case outcomes
- 170 convictions and about 2,500 disposed cases reported
- Property and cash
- 288 properties worth ₹138 crore attached; more than ₹80 lakh in cash seized
- PIT-NDPS
- 144 people booked; the DGP said J&K ranked first nationally on this measure
- Intensified phase
- Officials reported 614–616 FIRs and 646 arrests during the 100-day phase
- Awareness and treatment
- 216,123 programmes and more than one crore participants reported; 44,602 patients received treatment
